Yeovil Town sack manager Chris Hargreaves with experienced EFL boss Mark Cooper reportedly being lined up as the replacement.
Hargreaves oversaw a poor run of form between September and October with the Glovers picking up just one win from their last 10 National League matches and failed to reach the first round of the FA Cup after being knocked out by Taunton Town in a replay earlier this month.
Yeovil were booed off the pitch after Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat to Aldershot at Huish Park which left them 21st in the standings, and a relegation might just be on the cards this season.
Three points separate them and bottom side Torquay United, and Yeovil are just one point below Scunthorpe United who sit outside the drop zone.
Yeovil Town have today parted company with Manager Chris Hargreaves.#YTFC 💚
— Yeovil Town F.C. (@YTFC) October 27, 2022
STATEMENT:
Yeovil Town have today parted company with Manager Chris Hargreaves.
Chairman Scott Priestnall said “I would firstly like to thank Chris for his effort & professionalism during his time at Huish Park.
“After internal discussions this week, it has been decided that it’s best we go our separate ways. We wish Chris every success in the future.
“There will be a further update on the management situation before Saturday’s trip to Maidstone United.”
– STATEMENT ENDS –
Speaking after the match, Chris Hargreaves admitted he understood fan frustrations over performances and results but time is now up.
Yeovil had earlier cancelled Hargreaves’ scheduled Thursday press conference to preview the weekend clash with Maidstone.
Speaking to BBC Somerset commentator Ian Randall at the end of the game, Hargreaves said he was “100%” certain that he had the tools he needed to get the club out of trouble.
He said: “I completely understand the annoyance. All I can do is turn up tomorrow and try my best.
“I care about the club and want it to do well. I understand the frustrations and I understand we need to get bodies in to the building.”
The boss pointed to the absence of absence of experienced heads, notably playmaker Lawson D’Ath who was not in the squad, and the late departure of Sam Pearson who has “temporarily returned from his loan spell” from Bristol City to “recover from fatigue“, according to both clubs.
Hargreaves said: “I’m asking a lot of young lads to step up and it is difficult for them and there’s a group of players where some will come through that tough period and some might struggle.
“I’m asking the experienced boys to step up and lead, but it was a tough night from them.
“It’s a very poor result and it’s difficult for some of those lads to get through the period because of their experience.”
Hargreaves said he was continuing to “work hard” to bring in new players.
He added: “It’s a challenge because some players chose to stay at clubs and not risk playing elsewhere, but I’m working all hours to try and get the right player in and be better.
“We’ve been unfortunate with a couple which I think would have made a massive difference to the team and squad, a couple the clubs have decided to make them stay because they have got in their teams. They would’ve made a big difference.”
This is how fans reacted as Yeovil Town sack their manager with experienced EFL boss Mark Cooper lined up as replacement..
@AndrewFoot84: Never like to see a good person sacked but unfortunately it just had to happen, and I’m glad the club have acted while there’s time to turn it around. Got to get the next appointment right, now.
@ytfcaj00: Right lets just get someone in who has a PROVEN managerial CV. #ytfc
@JacobHo96814681: @scottpriestnall do the same thing pal
@LewisZebedee01: announce @carldickinson_3
@ytfcaj00: Sorry Chris but it had to happen, Now Scott sell the club you Parasite. #Priestnallout
@Gloversgirl: Staunts for manager!
@benbarrett10: Can take no joy in this. Hargreaves is a man who I’d talk football with over a beer for hours, but it was clear wasn’t cut out for managing a club at this level. A massive task to restore confidence and get the tide turned for whoever comes in. #ytfc
@G03Jamie: Announce Dicko 💚
@DarranPearce: Not surprised at all that this didn’t work out. You can tell from his punditry work he isn’t going to make a manager
@Liam_ytfc: About Damn time
@charliecassen: He was always going to get sacked before Christmas. Was a shocking appointment.
@LRbix: Back to BT Sports Pundit, he goes 😂
@Brad_Northcott: Priestnall next.
@JayT8500: Nice guy, just couldn’t get it right. Wish him best of luck for the future though 💚🤍
@GarrethAspinall: Chris wasn’t the right fit for Yeovil and struggled to get results. Must be a challenging role given the current club situation. I think the club have made the right decision but Chris seemed like a decent, genuine person and I wish him well for the future.
@ytfcwattsy: It didn’t work out which is a shame, and our league position is important but more importantly the fans need to keep up the energy on the current ownership of #ytfc 💚🧤
@MikeH88: Unavoidable. Not right to celebrate someone losing their job, but it was painfully not working. Next appt now crucial. But let’s not forget the real problem at our club is still here. And let’s not rest until he is gone as well @scottpriestnall
@WillB_2003: Sad to see what’s happening at Yeovil, nothing will change until they get the owners out unfortunately. Heading only one way no matter who they appoint tbh
@plympz: Feel like it’s all good sacking them manager but I also not sure who the fuck would want this job right now with priestnall there 😂😂😂
@Iwelch22: It’s never nice to see anyone lose their job. Chris was such a nice bloke, his office was always open. I enjoyed several chats about football and would always wish me luck before a home game. All the very best for the future. A massive time for #ytfc
One down. One to go! pic.twitter.com/yvVZgd6Bh7
— Ryan📵 (@ChappsRyan2000) October 27, 2022
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